Tours - We haven't tried most of these ourselves, but they are likely your best bets for group tours. Anyone looking for an individual tour, let us know and we can give you some references.
Things to do and see in Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires has a ton of sights to see and fun things to do. Here's a brief list of places we recommend:
Recommended Restaurants Buenos Aires is an excellent eating city. You generally can't go wrong simply stepping into any place that looks good. But here are some of our favorites:
One other important note - Argentine restaurants often charge a "cubierto." This literally translates to cover charge. It is usually between 4 and 8 pesos. Don't be surprised when this ends up on your bill. They do this in Italy as well. For tipping:
Places to travel to within the country: One of the great things about Argentina are all the other places worth seeing in the country. Here is a brief list with some links that may help.
The Official Government Bus Tour
Free Walking Tours
Buenos Aires Urban Bike Tour
Tango dinner shows - our favorite is Esquina Homero Manzi and we also recommend Madero Tango and Esquina Carlos Gardel
Things to do and see in Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires has a ton of sights to see and fun things to do. Here's a brief list of places we recommend:
Plaza de Mayo, La Casa Rosada - the most important place of heritage in the city with the president's house, the national cathedral , and the historic government house
The Obelisk
San Telmo neighborhood
Day-trip to Tigre - a lot to do and see
Day trip to Colonia, Uruguay - take a boat across the Rio de la Plata and visit the small city known for its historic quarter
Recoleta Cemetery - In the heart of the city, a remarkable cemetery where many famous individuals are buried, including Eva Peron
MALBA - the Latin American art museum
MNBA - the fine art museum
Museo de Evita - Museum devoted to Eva Peron
Palermo Lakes Park and Rose Garden
Buenos Aires Design - A neat space worth visiting for a drink or even to shop. Home to the Hard Rock Cafe and other cool restaurants.
Puerto Madero - the most modern area in Buenos Aires loaded with restaurants. Also home to a casino.
El Ateneo Bookstore - An old opera house turned into a huge bookstore and cafe
La Boca - this famous neighborhood is not the safest area, so be careful of pickpockets and keep on the main streets.
Japanese Gardens - Don't let the small cover charge scare you. A peaceful spot in the bustling city.
Recommended Restaurants Buenos Aires is an excellent eating city. You generally can't go wrong simply stepping into any place that looks good. But here are some of our favorites:
Beef: El Estrebe, Campo Bravo, La Josefina, Cabana Las LilasView our map with all of these places identified. Guia Oleo is another great resource (but it's in Spanish).
Italian: Guido's Bar (cash only), Il Gran Caruso, Mancini
Others: Tea Connection, Museo Evita, Milion, Voulez Bar
Heladerias: Argentina has some of the best ice cream in the world. We highly recommend Volta or Persicco, but often times the best thing is to just walk in to any ice cream shop and give it a try.
One other important note - Argentine restaurants often charge a "cubierto." This literally translates to cover charge. It is usually between 4 and 8 pesos. Don't be surprised when this ends up on your bill. They do this in Italy as well. For tipping:
10% is normal for a restaurant. Generally, you cannot put tip on a credit card, even if you pay your bill that way. Tips must be made in cash.
You don't need to tip taxi drivers, unless you particularly like the service.
You don't need to tip bartenders
A couple pesos is normal for people who help with bags or flagging taxis
Places to travel to within the country: One of the great things about Argentina are all the other places worth seeing in the country. Here is a brief list with some links that may help.
Bariloche - in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, this place is great for fun in the outdoors
Iguazu Falls - in the north of Argentina on the border with Brazil. Best to make this trip if you have a Brazilian travel visa as well.
El Calafate - at the southern tip of the Patagonia, the highlight are the amazing glaciers, and yes, you can walk on them.
Ushuaia - The southernmost city in the world. A beautiful and peaceful place for outdoor fun complete with penguins.
Mendoza - the fourth-largest city in Argentina, known for its wine production. Visit wineries or tours that climb the Andes with a view of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.
Puerto Madryn - founded by a Welsh community, it is known for whale and penguin watching. It will be just a bit early in the season for the whales, but perhaps you will get lucky.
